Assistant Director – UI Community Clinics Radiology/Pathology

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Director – UI Community Clinics Radiology/Pathology

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and lead clinical operations for UI Community Clinics within Radiology and Pathology departments, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.

• Manage staff, including hiring, development, performance management, and ensuring compliance with UI policies and procedures.

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets in collaboration with administrative personnel, medical directors, and clinical departments.

• Drive improvements in the revenue cycle, focusing on billing accuracy, write-offs, and denials, and ensure prompt submission of hospital and professional fees.

• Collaborate with various internal departments and external stakeholders to optimize clinic operations, patient satisfaction, and strategic growth initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the operational efficiency and patient care quality within the University of Iowa's community and outreach clinics, specifically for Radiology and Pathology services. It requires a blend of strong leadership, clinical understanding, and robust financial/operational management skills, aligning with typical Senior Operations Manager or Director-level responsibilities in a healthcare setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide managerial and clinical leadership to ensure staff deliver effective, high-quality clinical care, equipped with necessary education and resources.

• Collaborate closely with the Departments of Radiology and Pathology to ensure consistent adherence to clinical best practices across all managed services.

• Work with leadership and care providers to optimize safe and efficient patient care delivery, identifying and implementing improvements across clinical services.

• Oversee staff hiring, development, and performance management in partnership with UI Healthcare HR, including leading search committees and making hiring decisions.

• Build trust with staff by ensuring prompt and unbiased resolution of issues, providing clear rationales for decisions, and conducting employee counseling and disciplinary actions as warranted.

• Encourage staff input into clinic plans and decisions, and recognize staff efforts, performance, achievements, and tenure.

• Provide functional and administrative supervision to subordinate administrative personnel, ensuring compliance with UI policies and procedures.

• Monitor and analyze scheduling data to optimize provider access and patient flow.

• Prepare and monitor annual budgets, assimilate and analyze data, and prepare operational and fiscal reports.

• Develop business plans for new patient care initiatives, faculty compensation/reimbursement programs, contracts, and proposals.

• Oversee activities for determining and submitting hospital professional fees, including supplies, imaging, pharmacy, and pathology billing to third-party carriers.

• Develop, implement, and maintain systems for prompt submission of all hospital and professional fees, ensuring accurate billing.

• Review the revenue cycle, focusing on write-offs and denials, and implement appropriate front-end changes to improve financial performance.

• Review clinic visits and make changes to meet budget targets, and prepare/present special and periodic operational and fiscal reports.

• Assist with capital projects, including new clinic builds, renovations, and equipment purchases, ensuring expenses align with budgets.

• Facilitate credentialing efforts for off-site locations as necessary.

• Oversee the rollout and termination of clinical services, including operational development, marketing, and referring provider relations.

• Collaborate with numerous UI Healthcare departments, including leadership teams, PFS, HCIS Epic teams, and others.

• Review potential issues and proposed solutions with departmental leaders and work closely with them.

• Review patient satisfaction results and implement appropriate changes/improvements, educating technologists, nurses, and physicians as needed.

• Respond to patient complaints in conjunction with the office of patient relations and review/respond to patient safety issues.

• Identify trends and determine QA priorities with the lead nurse and Medical Director.

• Oversee clinic operating practices such as recordkeeping systems, cash collection, policies, and procedures.

• Review and analyze data to validate cost-effectiveness and operating efficiencies of clinic operations.

• Coordinate across departmental units or clinics to improve operations and patient/customer satisfaction, assure regulatory compliance, and achieve quality goals.

• Monitor patient volume and ongoing patient access, acuity, and complexity changes.

• Develop flexible staffing and reallocate priorities to ensure optimal patient care.

• Participate in and develop action plans for the strategic plan of offsite clinics, collaborating with DEOs, Strategic Planning, and other stakeholders.

• Develop, implement, and monitor programs, projects, and computerized systems with hospital-wide impact.

• Serve as a liaison with UI Health Care patient care support areas, College of Medicine, Patient Fiscal Services, Department Administrators, DEO, Joint Office of Compliance, Strategic Planning, Physician Relations, and Marketing and Communications.

• Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and across multiple UI Health Care support departments.

• Support the strategic goals of UI Community Clinics and Outreach clinics and collaborate with providers to maximize clinic efficiencies.

• Collaborate with external entities to maintain referring provider and Outreach clinical practice relations.

• Work with the departmental education team to optimize medical student and residency rotations and patient care.

• Collaborate with the UI PA program, Kirkwood MA program, and other clinical programs to provide educational experiences.

• Provide support and project oversight to administrative interns as needed.

• Invest in continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Actively participate in benchmarking with similar practice sites, seeking and infusing best practices.

• Collaborate with research staff to ensure clinical and research needs are met and compliant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive and cover a broad spectrum of operational management within a complex healthcare system. Key areas include people management, financial oversight, process improvement, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on revenue cycle management, billing, and operational efficiency is a recurring theme.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Master’s degree in Radiologic Science, Health Care, MSN, Biology, or a similar field is required.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience in Pathology or Radiology may be considered. Experience:

• Typically 3-5 years of leadership experience is required, with a focus on clinical operations management.

• Clinical experience as a nurse, radiologic technician, or sonographer is highly desired.

• Experience in Pathology, specifically with moderately complex and waived labs, is highly desired. Required Skills:

• Leadership and Staff Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage diverse teams, including hiring, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management within a healthcare setting. Experience with hospital and professional fee billing is crucial.

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to optimize clinic workflows, improve patient access, enhance patient satisfaction, and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for liaising with staff, leadership, patients, and various departments.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyze operational and fiscal data, interpret trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders.

• Project Management: Experience in managing capital projects, new service rollouts, and system implementations.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with UI Healthcare policies, procedures, and regulations. Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems like Epic is beneficial.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Knowledge of quality assurance (QA) principles and experience implementing improvements based on data and patient feedback.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to contribute to and execute strategic plans for clinic growth and development.

• Lab Operations: Specific experience with lab space design, pathology lab operations, and understanding of moderately complex and waived lab requirements.

• Customer Service Orientation: Commitment to customer and employee satisfaction, with strong analytical skills to support decision-making.

• Self-Direction and Judgment: Ability to be self-directed and demonstrate excellent judgment in prioritizing multiple projects and assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of clinical background and strong administrative/operational leadership. The distinction between required and desired qualifications highlights areas where candidates can differentiate themselves. Experience with specific healthcare systems like Epic and a deep understanding of revenue cycle management are key differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Operational Efficiency Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you've improved clinic workflows, reduced patient wait times, or optimized resource allocation, supported by quantifiable results.

• Financial Management Examples: Present evidence of budget management, cost-saving initiatives, or successful revenue cycle improvements, detailing the strategies implemented and their financial impact.

• Staff Development Initiatives: Include examples of successful staff training programs, performance improvement plans, or initiatives that boosted team morale and productivity.

• Process Optimization Projects: Detail projects where you identified operational bottlenecks and implemented effective solutions, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Projects: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with different departments (e.g., IT, HR, Finance, clinical departments) to achieve operational goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping current state processes, identifying inefficiencies, and designing optimized future-state workflows for clinical operations.

• System Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of implementing new operational systems or automating manual processes to improve efficiency and accuracy in areas like scheduling, billing, or reporting.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Show how you establish key performance indicators (KPIs), track operational metrics, and use data to drive continuous improvement and report on outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations role of this caliber, a portfolio demonstrating tangible results in efficiency, cost savings, and team performance is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific process improvements and the data used to validate their success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $68,924 - $149,204 annually for a 100% FTE position. This range is based on the University of Iowa's Pay Grade 6A and considers years of experience. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Including double-match retirement plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.

• Work-Life Balance Perks: Free on-site parking.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Institutional Support: Access to resources and collaborative networks within the University of Iowa Health Care system.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week (100% FTE).

• Monday - Friday, with variable hours typically between 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

• No weekends, holidays, or on-call time required.

• Availability to provide support to outreach clinics within a 2-hour radius is required, with paid drive time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a leadership role in healthcare operations in Iowa. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing retirement matching and work-life balance. The requirement for travel to outreach clinics with paid drive time is a notable aspect of the work schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: The University of Iowa Health Care is a large organization, employing over 12,000 individuals. This indicates a complex, established, and resource-rich environment.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and its health care system has evolved significantly, positioning it as a long-standing institution dedicated to patient care, research, and education.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Integration: This role operates within UI Community Clinics and Outreach clinics, closely collaborating with the Departments of Radiology and Pathology.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The position requires extensive interaction with various internal departments such as UI Healthcare HR, Patient Fiscal Services (PFS), HCIS Epic teams, leadership teams, the Joint Office of Compliance, Strategic Planning, Physician Relations, and Marketing.

• Reporting Lines: While not explicitly stated, this role likely reports to a higher-level director or executive within the UI Community Clinics or a related operational division, overseeing subordinate administrative personnel.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes analyzing operational and fiscal data to validate cost-effectiveness, operating efficiencies, and to inform strategic planning.

• Process Optimization: A key focus is on identifying and implementing improvements in clinic workflows, revenue cycle management, and patient care delivery.

• Collaborative Approach: The culture promotes collaboration across departments, with staff, and with external entities to achieve shared goals in patient care, education, and research.

Company Website: https://www.uihealthcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care operates as a major academic medical center, implying a culture that values excellence, research, education, and comprehensive patient care. The "WECARE" core values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) provide a strong framework for understanding expected behaviors and organizational priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Assistant Director, indicating a significant leadership responsibility within healthcare operations. It's a mid-to-senior level position that bridges operational management with clinical oversight. The scope includes managing staff, budgets, and strategic initiatives for multiple clinics.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Director will likely report to a Director or VP of Operations for UI Community Clinics or a similar senior leadership role. They will manage administrative personnel and collaborate closely with Medical Directors and department chairs in Radiology and Pathology.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the efficiency, financial health, and patient experience of the UI Community Clinics and Outreach clinics. Effective operational leadership contributes to the overall reputation and success of the University of Iowa Health Care system by ensuring seamless delivery of essential radiology and pathology services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to a full Director role within UI Community Clinics or Outreach programs, managing a larger scope of operations or a broader set of services.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like revenue cycle optimization, strategic planning for clinical services, or healthcare facility development.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Experience gained in this role can open doors to similar leadership positions in other clinical departments or administrative functions within the University of Iowa Health Care system.

• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored training, workshops, and potential for certifications relevant to healthcare administration and operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Assistant Director role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, reputable academic medical institution. The breadth of responsibilities provides exposure to various facets of healthcare operations, making it a strong stepping stone for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role involves a combination of office-based administrative work and on-site presence at various UI Community Clinics and Outreach clinics. The primary administrative base would likely be in Iowa City, but travel to other locations is a key component.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: Iowa City, Iowa.

• Travel required to outreach clinics within a 2-hour radius of Iowa City. Paid drive time is provided. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates frequent collaboration with clinical staff, administrative teams, departmental leadership, and support services across multiple locations.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't listed, it's expected that the role will involve utilizing EHR systems (e.g., Epic), financial management software, scheduling systems, and standard office productivity tools.

• Team Interaction: Expect regular interaction with direct reports, peers in other operational areas, and senior leadership for strategic alignment and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with a Monday-Friday schedule, typically between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

• No weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities, contributing to a predictable work-life balance.

• Flexibility will be required to address clinic operational needs, including travel to outreach sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment offers a structured schedule with predictable hours, which is attractive for work-life balance. The requirement for travel to outreach clinics means candidates should be comfortable with driving and managing their time effectively across multiple sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• In-depth Interviews: Multiple rounds involving key stakeholders, including operational leaders, departmental directors (Radiology/Pathology), and potentially HR. These interviews will assess leadership style, operational expertise, financial acumen, and problem-solving abilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation on a specific operational challenge, a strategic initiative, or a past project demonstrating their skills in process improvement and data analysis.

• Behavioral Questions: Expect questions assessing how candidates handle specific situations related to staff management, conflict resolution, financial decision-making, and change management.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For every project or responsibility listed, clearly state the measurable outcomes (e.g., "Reduced patient wait times by 15%", "Improved revenue capture by 8%", "Successfully managed a $2M capital project").

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail the steps taken to analyze a problem, design a solution, implement it, and measure its impact. Focus on the "how" and the results.

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've led teams, motivated staff, and collaborated effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences relevant to healthcare operations, radiology, pathology, revenue cycle management, and clinic administration.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by functional area (e.g., Financial Management, Staff Leadership, Operational Efficiency) or by key projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common challenges such as managing budget shortfalls, improving patient satisfaction scores, resolving inter-departmental conflicts, or implementing new clinical protocols.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your approach to developing strategic plans for clinic growth, service expansion, or operational efficiency improvements.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to discuss how you use data to identify problems, make decisions, and measure success. Familiarize yourself with common healthcare KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely be rigorous, given the leadership nature of the role. A strong, data-driven portfolio that clearly articulates achievements and problem-solving skills will be essential for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EHR/EMR Systems: Proficiency with systems like Epic is highly probable and beneficial, given its widespread use in academic medical centers. Understanding how EHRs impact clinical workflows, scheduling, and billing is key.

• Financial Management Software: Experience with budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting tools used in healthcare institutions.

• Scheduling & Patient Flow Systems: Tools designed to manage appointments, optimize provider schedules, and improve patient throughput.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for data analysis, budgeting, reporting), Word (for documentation), and PowerPoint (for presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance tracking (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal UI systems).

• Reporting Databases: Ability to extract and analyze data from various sources to generate operational and financial reports.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Potentially used for managing referring provider relationships or patient outreach initiatives.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with tools that can automate administrative tasks, reporting, or communication processes to enhance efficiency.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding how different systems (EHR, billing, scheduling) integrate and how to troubleshoot data flow issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific technologies are not listed, a strong candidate will have experience with common healthcare operational software, particularly EHRs like Epic, and robust data analysis tools. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency and informed decision-making is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A drive to achieve and deliver the best possible outcomes in patient care, operational efficiency, and staff performance.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams, departments, and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes, and upholding ethical standards.

• Respect: Fostering an environment where all individuals, including staff and patients, feel safe, valued, and respected.

• Empowerment: Creating opportunities for staff growth and development, and ensuring fair access to resources and services.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data and analytics to inform decisions, measure performance, and drive continuous improvement in operations.

• Efficiency Focus: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands active collaboration with clinical, administrative, and support departments to ensure seamless operations and patient experiences.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, feedback exchange, and transparency in decision-making processes.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Working collaboratively with staff and leadership to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.

• Mentorship and Development: A culture that supports the continuous learning and professional growth of team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WECARE" values are central to the University of Iowa Health Care culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and professional approach align with these principles, particularly in areas of collaboration, accountability, and patient-centered excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of clinical staff, administrative teams, patients, leadership, and external partners across multiple clinic locations.

• Navigating Complex Systems: Operating within a large academic medical center requires understanding and navigating intricate policies, procedures, and departmental structures.

• Budgetary Constraints & Revenue Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to manage costs effectively while maximizing revenue through efficient billing and operations.

• Implementing Change: Driving adoption of new processes, technologies, or strategic initiatives across various clinic sites and teams.

• Ensuring Quality & Compliance: Maintaining high standards of patient care and regulatory compliance across all operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Healthcare Operations Management: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like Lean management, Six Sigma, healthcare finance, and strategic planning specific to academic medical centers.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to university-provided training for leadership skills, change management, and executive communication.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Potential to attend relevant healthcare operations conferences to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced leaders within the University of Iowa Health Care system.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to gain deeper knowledge in areas such as pathology lab operations, radiology workflow optimization, or advanced revenue cycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex operational challenges within a leading healthcare institution. Candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to continuous learning will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a significant operational improvement in a clinical setting. What was the process, what were the challenges, and what were the quantifiable results?" (Focus on process, data, and impact)

• "How would you approach developing a budget for a new clinic service line, ensuring both financial viability and operational readiness?" (Assesses financial planning and strategic thinking)

• "Imagine there's a persistent issue with patient wait times in one of our outreach clinics. How would you diagnose the root cause and implement a sustainable solution?" (Tests problem-solving, analytical, and implementation skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your leadership style aligning with the University of Iowa Health Care's WECARE values?" (Demonstrates understanding of organizational culture and self-awareness)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with physicians and clinical staff. How do you build trust and ensure their buy-in for operational changes?" (Assesses interpersonal skills and cross-functional collaboration)

• "How do you stay current with best practices in healthcare operations and radiology/pathology clinic management?" (Shows commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Frame your portfolio examples as mini-case studies. Start with the challenge, detail your approach (process, tools, collaboration), and conclude with the measurable results.

• Focus on ROI: For financial or efficiency-related projects, clearly articulate the return on investment or cost savings achieved.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight your role in leading teams, motivating individuals, and influencing stakeholders to achieve objectives.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or documents that visually represent data, workflows, or project outcomes.

• Concise & Focused: Be prepared to walk through your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on what's most relevant to the Assistant Director role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of healthcare operations, leadership capabilities, financial acumen, and a commitment to quality patient care, all within the context of an academic medical center. Highlighting specific achievements with data will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UIowa Taleo careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your leadership experience, financial management skills, operational improvement successes, and any experience relevant to radiology or pathology. Use keywords from the job description, such as "clinical leadership," "revenue cycle management," "budgeting," and "staff management."

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain your interest in the role and highlight your most relevant qualifications and achievements that align with the core responsibilities and desired qualifications.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your accomplishments and case studies, focusing on quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss specific examples of process improvements, financial management, and team leadership.

• Research UI Health Care: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, vision, values (WECARE), and recent initiatives. Understand the context of community and outreach clinics.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, especially those related to leadership, problem-solving, and financial management in a healthcare setting.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.